Bode George, a prominent figure in the People Democratic Party (PDP) and former deputy national chairman, has urged President Bola Tinubu to clarify the status of fuel subsidies to Nigerians. George emphasized that the public deserves transparency regarding whether the Tinubu administration is still covertly paying for fuel subsidies.
Recent speculation suggests that the Federal Government may have reinstated fuel subsidies, with former governors Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State alleging that the government is now spending more on subsidies than before.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, recently disclosed that Nigeria is currently expending $600 million monthly on fuel imports.
During his appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday, George expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of clarity from the Federal Government about fuel subsidy payments. He said, “I’m very disturbed by the situation in this sector. On one hand, it is claimed that the subsidy still exists, while on the other hand, it is said that there is no subsidy. Who is telling the truth? We need to know the facts, as it is our fundamental right. If the truth is revealed, the public will support the government’s efforts to succeed.”
George also pointed out that since the NNPCL is owned by the Federal Government, it is essentially owned by all Nigerians. He added, “Although I am not directly involved in this area, I am educated enough to evaluate different perspectives and form my own conclusions. If the government’s operations and policies are sound, we will support them; if there are discrepancies in their statements, we will speak out.”
